The Single Most Important Thing You Need To Know About SINGLE SIDED PCB

As a single sided PCB manufacturer, Jinghongyi PCB has been single sided PCB for many years. Production and manufacturing experience, with a very exquisite single sided PCB manufacturing process flow chart.

We know that when you choose single sided PCB manufacturer, product quality is one of the first factors you need to consider. We are not only engaged in PCB manufacturing for many years, but also one of the large-scale PCB manufacturers in China. We can not only produce single sided PCB, but also double sided PCB, multilayer PCB, aluminum PCB and so on.

In addition to product quality, you may also need to consider the single sided PCB price factor. If you choose us as your partner, you can rest assured that we will be able to provide you with not the best price on the premise of guaranteeing product quality, but the price that we both feel is very reasonable. What do you think?

In this article, we will elaborate on the definition, type, cost components, structure, advantages and disadvantages, manufacturing process and raw materials of single sided PCB. Finally, we will introduce the application of single sided PCB and the differences between single sided PCB and double sided PCB. And how to choose between single sided PCB and double sided PCB.

What Is Single Sided PCB

For Single-sided PCB, called also Single Layer PCB, One Layer PCB, 1 Layer PCB, the components are on one side, conducting wires are on the other side, single sided PCB is the most simple and basic PCB board. Because the wires only appear on the one side of themso we called Single-sided PCB. Because the single-sided PCB has many strict restrictions on the design circuit (because only one side, the wiring cannot cross and must move around the individual path), so it only used on earlier circuits.

Single-sided PCB diagram mainly used Network Printing(Screen Printing), that is, resist on copper surface, After etching, mark the welding resistance, and then finish the hole and the shape of the part by punching.

Fundamentally, single-sided and double-sided printed circuit boards serve the same purpose. Both serve as catalysts for electrical connections between components, however there are some key differences that set them apart from each other. More specifically, they differ in the costs associated with production and development processes, as well as ampacity differences.

With the appearance of electronic transistor, single sided PCB was developed in the early of 1950, which is mainly manufactured in USA. Single-sided PCB was manufactured by copper etching directly at that time. During 1953 to 1955, Japan use imported copper make out paper phenolic aldehyde copper substrate, and apply mainly on radio products. In 1956, single-sided PCB technology was made big progress with the appearance of professional PCB manufacturers from Japan. In the early stage, copper substrate mainly used paper phenolic aldehyde, but because paper phenolic aldehyde with the factors of low electric insulation, bad solder thermal stability, twist issue etc, paper epoxide resin and glass fiber epoxy resin was developed soon after. Currently, paper epoxide resin is widely used in consuming electronic.

Basically, there is no challenge for PCB manufacturer to produce single sided PCB and the technology is quite mature nowadays. The main focus for PCB manufacturer is how to control production cost and save more cost for customers.

Types of Single Layer PCB

Single Layer Rigid PCB

It is the type of a single layer PCB which is made up a rigid material such as fiber glass. These PCBs are inflexible and prevent the circuit from bending and breaking. Currently these are used in different types of devices such as in calculators and power supplies etc.

Single Layer Flexible PCB

It is the type of a single layer PCB which is mode out a flexible material instead of a rigid material and for this purpose plastic materials are used. It has so many advantages over single layer rigid pub but it fabrication cost is so much high.

Single Layer Rigid Flex PCB

It is the type of a single layer PCBs which is used for high frequency circuits normally in giga hertz. These PCBs are made out a Teflon or polyphenylene oxide (PPO) material. During choosing high frequency single layer PCB many aspects are keep in mind such as dielectric loss, thermal expansion and water absorption etc.

Single Layer High Frequency PCB

It the type of single layer PCBs which is made out by the combination of plastic and fiber glass. Both materials are combined together into single layer. It has so many advantages over single layer rigid and flexible PCB such as it reduces the weight and size of overall PCB.

Single Layer Aluminum PCB

It the type of single layer PCB which is made out with aluminum material substrate. The design of this PCB is almost same as copper backed PCB but only difference is that, in these PCBs aluminum substrate is used instead of copper. Aluminum backed is used with thermal insulating material for transferring the heat from insulating material to back.

What Goes Into Determining single sided PCB Costs and price

Often, single layer PCB are used for simple devices and usually cheaper than multilayer PCB.

Multilayer PCB has one or multiple conductor patterns inside the board, this increases the area available for wiring. multilayer PCB, such as 4 layer PCB, 6 layer PCB and 8 layer PCB are usually used for more complicated devices. For example, smart phones use 12 layers due to the various demands of the circuit. As a result, multilayer PCB circuit boards are more expensive.

You can break them down into the following categories:

The production costs for single-sided and double-sided PCBs remain relatively even when considering board size, number of PCBs produced, lead time, and material type and thickness. Most of the overhead costs also remain even. Without considering layout, both types consist of the core substrate and conductive layers either on one side or both sides.

Layout alters the cost balance. While the number and size of holes remain the same with single-sided PCBs, two different circuit designs on one substrate change the number of holes and add vias.

Because double-sided PCBs welcome complex circuit designs, layout also becomes a dependent factor. As the number of traces increase, costs increase. Smaller surface mount components fastened to the bottom side change the trace spacing. As the space between the traces narrows, costs can jump 5 to 10 percent.

Different layouts may require different hole sizes and the use of laser rather than mechanical drills. Smaller hole sizes and larger hole counts drive the cost higher because of a change in the manufacturing process.

Advantages of Single Sided PCB

Single sided circuit boards are considered to be one of the best choices for a wide range of applications due to the advantages that it provides. Here are a few advantages of single sided printed circuit boards:

Lower probability of manufacturing issues,such as short circuiting and producing noise

Components are installed at only one side, require lower jumper to compensate the circuit

Popular, common, and easily understood by most PCB manufacturers

Less time for fault tracing and repairing

Single Layer PCB Disadvantages

Despite their cost advantages and other perks, single-layer boards are not the right choice for every project due to the limitations they have, which include:

Simplistic Design: The simplicity of single-layer boards' is one of their biggest benefits, but it's also a substantial limitation. For more complex devices that require a higher number of components and connections, a single layer does not provide enough space or power. If wires cross each other, the device won't function properly, so it's critical that the board has enough space to accommodate everything. More complex designs just can't fit on single-sided PCBs.

Slower Speed and Lower Operating Capacity: The limited number of connections on these boards also affects their power and speed. These less-dense designs are not as robust as those with more circuits and have a lower operating capacity. They might not have enough power for some applications.

Larger Size and Higher Weight: To add capabilities to a single-sided board, you need to expand its dimensions rather than add another layer, as you could with you a multi-layer PCB. You could use multiple separate boards, but one multi-layer board could likely handle the same requirements. Increasing the size or number of boards in a device also increases your final product's weight.

How to make single sided PCB

Single sided PCB manufacturing Process flow chart

One thin layer of thermally conductive but electrically insulating dielectric is laminated with copper. Soldermask is usually applied on top of the copper.

Single layer PCB Raw Material

Fr4 Grade Fiberglass Laminates

Aluminum

Copper base

Cem 1

Cem 3

Construction of Single Sided PCB

The base material, which is also named as substrate, is composed of insulating fiber glass which gives PCB strength and compact look. The nature and type of base material defines if board is going to be Flexible PCB or Rigid PCB.

Above substrate, there lies a copper layer which provides conducting path for various components on the board. The copper thickness is different for different boards depending on your needs and requirements and is defined in ounces per square foot.

On the top of copper foil, there exists a solder mask layer. This layer is mainly used for protection and makes the copper foil insulating which helps in avoiding the conduction in case direct contact happens with some conducting material.

On the top of all layers, there exists a silkscreen layer that is mainly used for adding symbols and characters on the board so a common person can anticipate the clear understanding of the board.

Single Sided PCB Applications

Single sided PCBs are widely used in many electronic applications ranging from simple to intermediate to complex circuits. Following are some applications they can be used for.

Vending machines

Camera systems

Surveillance

Calculators

Printers

Solid state drives

Coffee makers

LED lighting

Packaging equipment

Sensor products

Power supplies

Relays

Radio and stereo equipment

Timing circuits

What Is Double Sided PCB

What is Double-Sided PCB? Strictly speaking, the Double-Sided PCB is one kind of the important PCB boards which is useful in PCB industry. They allow for the routing of traces around each other by jumping between a top and bottom layer by way of vias. Generally speaking, There are lines on both sides! The common PCBs can be seen such as, Printed circuit board, Flexible circuit board, Aluminum Based PCB and High frequency boards.

It need circuits on both sides. Via is the holes on boards, coated with metal and it can connect wires on both sides. Because the area of Double-sided PCB is twice as large as the Single-sided PCB, and because the wiring is interleaved, which is better suited for circuits that are more complex.

Someone may feel confused that if one Double-sided PCB, wires on both sides while Electronic parts only one side, is this a Double-sided board or a single onel? The answer is obvious. This kind of board is a Double-sided board, it's just install a component on the Double-sided board.

Differences Between Single sided PCB and Double sided PCB

single sided vs double sided PCB

Single and double sided printed circuit boards share the same material make-up: FR-4, which is a form of fiberglass mixed with epoxy. In modern manufacturing, this is usually layered with copper for conductivity and then coated in solder mask for a professional finish. Sometimes, in a process called silk screening, industrial printers print markings and labels on the board as well.

Single-sided PCBs consist of the FR4 insulating core substrate and a thin layer of copper coating on the bottom or solder-side of the substrate. Through-hole components mount on the top or component-side of the substrate with the leads passing through to the bottom side and soldered to the copper pads and tracks. Surface mount components mount directly to the solder side. The primary difference between the two boards will be in conductor placement.

Double-sided boards rely on the same core substrate but have conductors on both sides of the substrate. Very simply, a double-sided board delivers twice the area for conductors. Complex routing can occur with through-hole components mounted on the top layer and surface mount components mounted on the bottom layer. Plated through holes establish [vias" or the electrical connections between the two sides.

Choose Single Sided PCB or Double Sided PCB?

Which PCB you pick depends on your needs and requirements. Sometimes single sided PCBs are more suitable for project design as compared to double sided PCBs and vice versa.

Before you pick any type of PCB for your project, you must take one thing into consideration that single sided PCB layouts are more difficult to route as compared to double sided PCB, but following are the reasons why you should put an effort for making and picking single sided PCB over other PCBs.

If you are hobbyist or students, and concerned to make PCB at home, you must know, developing single sided PCBs at home are much easier than developing double sided PCBs at home.

As you are a manufacturer and very much interested to keep your cost down and producing a single sided PCB a most economical process. In terms of cost, producing single sided PCBs are more economical than producing double sided PCBs.

Almost all HVAC systems make use of single sided PCBs, because they are more reliable and cost effective and don`t compromise the overall quality of the product.

Using through hole technology in single sided PCBs still have its drawbacks and limitations because conductive layers, lines and pads stay on single side of PCB but it still is a cheap process to combine all components at one place. Multilayer PCB is also used in many applications where single sided and double sided PCBs fail to fulfill the requirements.